The Lord Jesus Christ was once asked, “How can we know the way?” (John chapter (c) 14 verse (v) 5). He replied with the words “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. As the Lord Jesus Christ is God (Mark’s Gospel c1v1 and Philippians 2v6), He consequently knows and understands everything (Psalm 147v5) and cannot lie (Titus c1v2), which makes His words entirely trustworthy.

The Lord Jesus’ statement, as above, is what could be called a statement of ultimate truth, which is a final declaration of basic fundamental fact or principle which cannot be changed in any way. An example is the fact that everyone on the planet today was born and will one day die. However many people would rather believe, as a statement of ultimate truth, that ‘there is no ultimate truth’. This idea destroys itself the moment it is suggested. On the other hand one reason why people do not like declarations of ultimate truth (like the one the Lord Jesus made) is because, if taken seriously, they may have to change the lifestyles with which they have become comfortable. On the other hand by going their own way, people not only miss the best in this life, but also in the life to come.

Christ has the ability to: freely forgive all our sins, give us new spiritual life, peace and also a relationship with God Himself, that not only lasts while we are on this earth but continues forever in heaven. When He said “I am the way” He knew that, because of our sins we are away from God (Isaiah c59v2 and Ephesians c2v1-2), and as “there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory (or character) of God” (Romans c3v22b-23) we all need someone to bring us to God. Christ did not come to ‘show us the way’ to God, He Himself is the way. Thus salvation is not gained by relying on ourselves, but by relying on a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in Him as your own Saviour, and you will have salvation. There is the children’s story where a little antelope was stuck in the trap of a hole in the ground. The antelope could not get out itself but when the elephant came along he said, “I am the way”, and then knelt down and put his trunk round the antelope and pulled him out. The Lord Jesus died on the cross for our sins according to the scriptures, and was buried and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures (1 Corinthians c15v3-4). Therefore since Christ has taken the judgment of God against sin on Himself and rose out of death itself, He alone has the right and the power to save you from the judgment in hell, that your sins deserve, and take you to heaven.

When the Lord Jesus said “I am the truth” He did not mean that He is just One Who teaches truth or points towards it. He is the truth, the very expression and embodiment of the truth, the originator and communicator of the truth about life, the universe and everything (and also in this case the salvation of human beings). Those who have trusted in Christ have the ultimate truth. It is not found anywhere else. Although this sounds like a radical claim, and as aforementioned this might be seen as unwelcome by some, we believe that anyone who honestly investigates Christ (especially His death and resurrection) will come to the same conclusion.

When the Lord Jesus said, “I am the life” He meant that he was the source and embodiment of true, divine, abundant and eternal life. He was “God manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy c3v16) living perfectly in the world and granting true peace, joy and fulfilment to those who came to Him. As Romans c6v23 says: “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

Thus, by being the way the truth and the life, Christ has the power to bring believers in Him to God the Father Himself and have a relationship with Him as His child. The way to heaven is not keeping the Ten Commandments, doing religious rituals or being the member of a Church and it never has been. Instead individuals have to repent and trust in God, entering into a relationship with Him. Ultimately, for all people at all times, it is Christ who makes this possible. We urge you to put your faith in Him without delay. It is the best decision you will ever make and He can help you in life.